Google to Sell Phone Independent of Wireless Carriers

Google Will Sell Its Own Phone

Google has announced its plans to sell its own phone. . . independent of wireless carriers. The device will be manufactured by HTC and is called the Nexus One. It will run Google's Android operating system and be available for sale online. No technical specs have been released, though the photo at left, reportedly leaked by a Google employee, may be an image of what to expect.

Unlike Apple, Google isn't working with one wireless carrier to support the phone. Instead, customers will be able to choose between AT&T and T-Mobile for service.

It's an interesting model, and one that may challenge Apple's AT&T exclusivity and also other carriers' plans. Because the phones will be bought directly from Google, though, they may not be able to offer the introductory pricing rates offered by wireless companies upon signing a new two-year contract.

Even thought I'm a long time BB user, I'll definitely be checking it out if/when this phone comes out. Android 2.x is shaping up to be a real contender. RIM needs to get in gear if it wants to compete with these new OS's and hardware.